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There were no tugs or pulling. Ty would never need the leash to have Lum follow him. The twitterpated Lucario kept close, stepping in time just behind the Typhlosion. Ty peeked over his shoulder now and then regardless. As if to check if Lum was behaving, but really to give a lusty grin at the Lucario.

"Good puppy." he cooed as he led Lum down the hall.

To the party-goers it looked like any other exchange. Many knew how Lum's leash worked, and two Pokémon going to fuck was far from noteworthy.

There were fewer and fewer Pokémon and trainers as they moved deeper into the house. Ty led to an alternate stairway, far from the main room. Ty paused at the foot of it and looked to Lum. There was a sly grin on his face. One Lum was all too familiar with.

"You first. I want to stare at that ass." Ty rumbled.

Lum's ears shifted back. But, obediently, he started up the stairs in front of Ty.

"Look at that slutty ass. Your hole's still leaking from Pico." Ty growled. Lum could feel Ty stroking and playing with his tail as they made their way up. The teasing from Ty hit so much harder than anyone else.

Lum knew the path well. Up the stairs and past the bathroom. Ty's room was on the right. Lum opened the door and was instantly hit with a wave of warmth and Ty's scent. He stepped inside, closely followed by Ty. The Typhlosion closed the door behind them.

Ty pressed up behind Lum, rumbling affectionately. Lum leaned back and closed his eyes. He shivered as paws teased along the rim of his ears, down along his neck. He lifted his head, shivering as Ty undid his collar.

"No Cum Dump here... Just my sweet Lovecario." Ty cooed, setting the collar and leash aside.

"I don't believe you still use that." Lum rumbled in return. He turned to face Ty. He had to look up, Ty towering over Lum. Being so close impressed how much larger Ty was than his lover.

Ty lowered himself until they were nose to nose. Another soft, deep rumble emanated from his chest. "But it's the exactly what you are. I love you so very much." Ty's paws cupped Lum's jaw. "And I've been waiting for this all night." Ty murmured as he moved closer. Their lips met. It wasn't the aggressive, hungry kisses Lum had gotten at the party. It was gentle. Compassionate. Needy for Lum's love, not for his body.

It took Lum's breath away.

Lum leaned into Ty and lost himself in his large lover. His paws rest against Ty's torso, stroking over belly and chest. The kiss pressed deeper, but was still so gentle. Their tongues brushed against one another, gently caressing and entwining.

The kiss broke, the lovers softly panting over each other's muzzles.

"Did... Are you ready to talk to Brandon about us?" Ty asked in a whisper.

Lum's ears drooped.

"No, no... it's okay Lum. I have you now, that's all that matters." Ty quickly consoled, a paw stroking Lum's cheek. Still, Lum felt a weight in his gut. He loved Brandon so much. But he loved Ty so much too.

"Lum, please... I'm sorry. It was dumb to bring up." Ty pleaded, his paws stroking over Lum's cheeks.

"My Lovephlosion is not dumb." Lum growled playfully. He squatted and gripped Ty's hips, lifting his Typhlosion. Lucarios were strong.

"Arceus no. That is not going to be a thing." Ty growled as Lum turned. Lum only grinned, carrying Ty to his nest. The Typhlosion had a pile of blankets and pillows he worked into a comfy, concave pile. Very different from Lum, who was used to proper beds. Lum lay Ty back in it, the rich scent of his lover wafting up from the bedding.

"Says you." Lum playfully growled as he climbed atop Ty. Lum straddled Ty's chest. They kissed again, briefer this time.

"I didn't know Jake had you breed?" Lum murmured, trying to get his mind off the topic of talking with Brandon. He settled down, his small body laying atop Ty's. The warmth, the heat, the scent. It was Lum's happy place. At least, one of his two happy places.

"Oh? I never brought it up? Yeah, years ago. One of Jake's friends wanted me to pass on Extrasensory. Chai is here to get some training from Jake. She's hesitant to evolve, and Jake should be able to help with that." Ty's hands stroked along Lum's back, their muzzles brushing as he spoke.

"... I can't believe you had sex with a female Typhlosion."

Ty laughed at that. "A Typh's gotta do what a Typh's gotta do. I'm not a big fan of battling either, as you know." Ty rumbled, his paws exploring lower on Lum. "It still felt good, but it was just... work, I guess." Ty shrugged while his paws kneaded on Lum's ass. "Besides, weren't you gay as I was, until Coal came along?"

It was Lum's turn to shrug. "I ... guess? I still consider myself gay, even if Coal and I have a lot of sex."

Ty playfully growled, squeezing Lum's ass again. "How about you go prove it? There's a big, sweaty ballsack and sheath right down there." Ty rumbled lustily.

"Oh, I'll show you alright." Lum growled and pressed into a kiss. Deeper, rougher than before. Ty's tongue was hotter as it worked against Lum's, then pushed into Lum's muzzle. The sensual battle between their tongues went on for a minute before Lum broke the kiss.

"I love you so, so much." Lum panted, pressing his forehead to Ty's.

"It's mutual, my sweet puppy." Ty crooned in return.

Lum held himself there a moment. Time stretched. Lum pined for Ty when they were apart and it only made being together so much sweeter.

Lum finally worked his way down Ty's larger body. He settled between Ty's thighs, getting a close up view of Ty's sopping sheath and sack. Lum wasn't sure if was a Typhlosion thing or just Ty, but Ty's junk always seemed sweat damp, his sheath regularly drooling a little. On a night like tonight, it was dialed up to ten.

A deep breath filled Lum with Ty's scent. An incredibly rich, complex musk. Spicy, like most fire types. The potent scent of Ty's sweat and dribbles mixed in to create such an incredible sexual bouquet. Nothing compared, not even the Lucario scents Myst had shared.

Lum took the heavy sheath in his paws. It shifted and squished over the dormant shaft within. Lum sniffed at the tip. An overwhelming scent of pre, sheath fluids and cock made him moan. Lum pushed right in and kissed the sloppy tip of the sheath. He licked and kissed on the opening before sinking his tongue down inside.

Ty's familiar taste spread across his palate. Lum savored every bit of it. His tongue curled and swirled over the shaft within. He teased at the currently squishy nubs atop Ty's cock. Ty rewarded Lum with a soft moan. Lum glanced up to see Ty lounged back, head draped to the side and eyes closed. Lum gave an extra firm suck on the sheath opening and dug his tongue deep as it could go.

Ty twitched his hips forward, abs flexing and lifting his upper body. "Grah..." He gasped before lounging back again. Lum drew his tongue from the sheath, breaking his seal on the tip. The previously excessive sheath was now packed full of swelling Typhlosion cock. Lum watched with delight as the blunt, girthy tip pushed out. Almost like it was following Lum's tongue, eager for more. Lum smiled and kissed the peeking cock.

"Yeah... you're definitely gay." Ty chuckled.

Lum yipped proudly and licked over Ty's cock. It made Ty push his hips upward and more of the shaft to push free.

"Go ahead. You earned it." Ty rumbled. He opened one eye, looking down at Lum with a knowing smile.

Lum blushed a little before scooting a bit further down. His paws stroked over Ty's sack. He savored how hot it was, how damp the fur was.

"No wonder you're always leaking... these things are so big." Lum admired. He licked over one of the large orbs, then the other.

Ty muttered, "A blessing and a curse."

A blessing for Lum, who didn't have to deal with the consequences. He just got to savor the heavy sack in front of him. He kissed each orb while meeting Ty's gaze.

"Go on, puppy. I said you earned it."

Lum's tail wagged with abandon. He nuzzled along the sack to the bottom. Then he pushed his muzzle right into the space beneath Ty's nuts. The world went dark as Ty's sack covered all of Lum's muzzle and face. It was impossibly hot and damp behind them. Lum breathed in slowly. It was overwhelmingly. Just pure sweat and Ty. It felt like breathing in the humid air after a shower.

Lum loosed a low, slow groan as he exhaled. A shiver ran down his spine and through his tail. He wagged harder as he took in another breath. Ty's scent filled Lum's muzzle and lungs. It felt like it flowed through his whole body.

Lum didn't use to have much of a fetish for balls. Not even real large sacks. And certainly not being smothered beneath them. At least, until he met Ty. Something about the way Ty's balls nestled between his thighs when Ty was sitting erect. The large orbs pushed up, Ty's sheath prominent atop them.

After months of admiring them Lum finally got the chance to nuzzle them. It was at the Christmas party years ago. Ty had clearly taken note of Lum's lingering gazes. At the time Lum had been laying back on a couch, recovering from a rough fucking. Ty had brazenly climbed atop the couch, straddled Lum, and sat with his balls over Lum's face.

Lum hadn't been able to get enough since.

Lum drank in another humid breath. And another. He couldn't imagine how undignified he looked. Tucked between Ty's legs, near comatose, muffled whimpers and groans sounding from beneath the ballsack smothering him. Even his tail had slowed and gone slack. Lum couldn't care less.

A foot nudged at Lum's side. It brought him back to the world around him. Lum's ears twitched as he heard Ty.

"That's enough puppy. I don't want you knotting up in your sheath." Ty cooed affectionately.

It was a fair point. Lum pulled free and got to his knees. It revealed his half-hard cock, a the knot just a little swollen in his sheath. Lum sniffed and licked at his muzzle. Even in the warmed room the air felt so cold on his snout and in his lungs. He shivered and nodded obediently.

"Good puppy. Now warm me up." Ty affectionately demanded. Ty worked his way over onto his front, presenting his dusky tailhole to Lum.

Lum wiped at his muzzle with the back of his forearm. It did little to clear the dampness and scent soaking his muzzle fur. Lum moved in again. His paws rest on Ty's haunches as his damp muzzle tip nuzzled at Ty's hole.

"Mmmh... good puppy..." Ty groaned at the first lick. Lum started with slow, sensual licks. His tongue caressed over the puckered hole. It dragged over, and over, each lick causing Ty to make a muffled moan. Lum knew just how much Ty adored being rimmed. He drew it out, taking a while to move beyond just teasing licks.

Lum added swirling his tongue around Ty's tailhole between licks. He began adding pressure with each lick. Ty's groans grew louder as Lum worked. They peaked with a grunt, Ty's whole body tensing as Lum's tongue sunk into him. Lum paused and waited for Ty to relax. When the tightness on his tongue eased Lum pulled his tongue free. He licked over the pucker a few times before sinking his tongue in again. This time there was a small shudder through Ty's body.

Lum probed his tongue into Ty's heated depths. He skillfully worked his tongue along Ty's silky walls. His paws began kneading Ty's haunches while he worked his tongue in and out. Steadily going deeper and rougher with his licks. Making sure Ty was nice and relaxed for him.

Lum pulled his muzzle free. He rest his chin on Ty's lower back, cooing.

Ty lifted his head and looked back. He smiled warmly and nodded. Ty moved and stood. He stroked and scritched Lum's ears before guiding Lum further into the nest. Lum settled until he was comfortably sprawled on his back.

Ty lowered himself to nose at Lum's groin. His paw took Lum's sheath and guided it back behind the slightly bulged knot area. Lum shivered as Ty's hot breath caressed at the knot area and root of his shaft. A lick caused Lum to buck his hips upward.

Ty wordlessly moved back atop Lum. He straddled Lum's hips and settled on top. Ty had to lean forward a bit to grip Lum's cock. They both shifted until the position was right. Lum's tip teased at Ty's tail hole. They both shivered and rumbled at the gentle teasing. Ty grinned, drawing it out. But Ty was as eager as Lum.

Ty sat back, sinking Lum into him. Deeper, and deeper, until Lum's hips bucked. Ty settled his weight on Lum's hips. Ty sighed happily, his eyes closing. Lum growled quietly. They both savored the feeling of first penetration. The heat of Ty's body squeezing around Lum's cock, while Lum's shaft stimulated Ty's inner walls and pressed at his prostate.

Ty finally rocked his hips up and back. Slowly, rhythmically, he began riding Lum. The room filled with the soft pants and grunts of Pokémon making love. Quiet growls sounded from each of them. Ty was deliberately slow. He loved how each rock of his hips made the bulge of Lum's knot slip in and out. Each time a little bigger, stretching him a little further.

Lum did his best not to whine. He bit down on his lower lip. His hips were squirming just a little. He rolled them forward in time with Ty's riding. Slowly, steady strokes into his lover's depths, then just enough to pull his forming knot bulge free. This was why Ty started on top. It was everything Lum's body did not want to do. He was dying to start railing his lover. Lum liked to hump hard and fast like most canine Pokémon. This slow riding, his cock slowly pushing in and out, was equal parts pleasure and agony. Lum bit harder on his lip and lifted his arm, resting his forearm over his eyes. A whimper escaped before he could choke it back. He couldn't help his hips twitching forward. Even after the blowjob earlier, Lum's body craved to jackhammer his fiery lover.

"I still can't believe I'm the only person to ever top you." Lum rumbled, trying to distract himself.

"Why would I? I've got the perfect cock inside me, attached to the perfect Pokémon." Ty settled down, rump to Lum's hips, Lum hilted within him. "Anything or anyone else could never compare."

Lum chuckled and rumbled, "You're twice-" he gasped and whined as Ty clenched down on him. "My size..."

Ty huffed and leaned forward. He grabbed Lum's arm and pinned it to the nest above Lum's head. Then the same with Lum's other arm. Ty leaned closer, nose-to-nose, staring into Lum's eyes. His fangs were bared. Flames licked along Ty's collar, the blaze of fire barely repressed.

"I don't need bigger. I don't need a fire type. I. Just. Need. You." He snarled loudly.

They held like that. Lum staring deep into his lover's eyes. Ty's were brighter than most Typhlosion's. A fiery orange color that complimented Lum's red eyes perfectly.

Ty's snarl ebbed away. His flames died down. Still, he rest there, gazing into his lover. Finally Ty started to roll his hips again, a soft groan escaping. They kept staring deep into each other's eyes. Their breaths panting on the other's muzzle. Ty built his steady rhythm again. Lum's hips pushed upward into each dip of Ty's hips. Gazing into Ty's eyes, Lum didn't need a distraction. He would endure this forever just to share this closeness with Ty for even one second longer.

But even a Typhlosion, with all his stamina and endurance, couldn't go forever. Eventually Ty's hips slowed and his rump rest against Lum's groin again. Ty dipped his muzzle, finally breaking the spell of their eye contact.

"rrrh..."

They didn't need words. Ty and Lum moved together. Lum's cock never slipped free of Ty's hot interior. Ty made his way down onto his side, the upper leg spread and lifted. Lum ended up straddling Ty's lower thigh, Ty's upper leg going over his shoulder. He leaned forward, pressing his weight on Ty's thigh. A paw rested on Ty's belly to steady him.

A mutual gaze and smile let them know the other was ready.

Lum finally got to indulge his body's needs.

Lum wrapped his arms around Ty's thigh, squeezing tight. His hips pulled back and slammed forward. He started to rapidly jackhammer into Ty. Even with their size difference, Lum's swelling knot tugged at Ty's hole. Each thrust was ecstasy for them both. Rough for Ty, but still incredible pleasure.

Lum couldn't hold back the little 'arf's and pleasured whines that peppered his panting breath. He had been on top plenty of times. Lum had fucked Coal a lot. There were the very rare occasions Brandon wanted to feel the overwhelming power of a Lucario on top. Lum had been pushed into topping other Pokémon, male and female.

It was just different with Ty. The intense heat of a fire type, the silky walls around Lum's shaft were nothing like Coal. The scent of his his Typhlosion. The fur, the growling and groaning... everything. Sex with Ty was the best sex Lum ever had. It didn't matter that he wasn't bottoming.

Lum couldn't control himself. He thrust hard and fast as he could, finding it harder and harder to work his knot in and out. His little 'arf's and whines had groan into barks and growls. He couldn't help but bare his fangs. He pounded into Ty with abandon. His knot got too large and lodged, and still Lum thrust, working the small bit he could between his knot and the root of his dick.

Ty was growling and hissing in return, the occasional 'Fuck' or whine mixed in. His larger body helped brace against Lum's onslaught, but there was little doubt how intense it was for Ty as well. His cudgel of a cock throbbed against his belly as Lum's swollen knot abused his prostate. Of course, that meant far more mess. Ty always leaked a little even flaccid. Hard as he was now, his cock spurted and dribbled precum constantly. It soaked into his belly fur and dribbled down into the nest blankets, a wet spot steadily growing larger and larger.

Lum couldn't resist any longer. The constant tugging on his knot with each thrust. Ty's hot passage around him. The intense passion between Ty and himself.

Lum slammed in, back arched, howling into the room. His knot ached with how hard he was. His cock throbbed with every heartbeat, every pulse of cum. Lum slowly lowered himself, whining and moaning as his orgasm went on, and on, and on. It felt like his cum would never stop pumping into Ty. Lum gave slow, lazy thrusts, feeling weaker and weaker.

Lum collapsed atop Ty, whimpering. Every bit of him was spent. Every bit of energy in him had been given to Ty. A physical demonstration of Lum's love for Ty. Lum panted, sweaty and defeated, atop his lover.

Ty shifted to his back and pulled Lum to rest comfortably on his long torso. His paws worked over Lum's head and ears. He crooned lovingly at the exhausted Lucario.

"Lum... Puppy?" Ty cooed.

Lum looked up. He was still panting, his body still feeling too hot and his fur too damp.

"I'm close... could you please? ... For Christmas?" Ty playfully added. Both knew that Ty needed no reason. If Ty asked, Lum would do it.

Lum nodded. Still, he took a few more moments to breathe. He pushed himself up with one paw, the other, back and forth until he was resting upright again. Lum's paws moved down and took Ty's shaft between them. The monstrous thing took both of Lum's paws to wrangle. He gripped on it, squeezing real firm, just how Ty liked it. It earned a shudder from the prone Typhlosion.

Lum started to stroke up and down Ty's shaft. His fingers teased and worked at the fleshy nubs on the top of the shaft. His palms kneaded along the belly. He worked from the base, where the flesh of Ty's shaft was rougher, all the way to the tip. Lum gradually shifted from slow pumping, focused on the details, to stroking Ty rapidly. Ty's hips twitched with the strokes. Each time he squeezed down on Lum's shaft Lum had to grit his teeth.

Ty hadn't been asking for the stroking, though. Both knew exactly what Ty wanted. Once he had gotten a good pace Lum started on what Ty really wanted. His hips drew back slowly. A shudder passed through Lum as the back of his knot was pulled by Ty's tailhole. Lum whimpered as he pulled harder and harder. Overstimulation to the extreme.

Then sudden, loud relief. Both Pokémon yelped as his knot audibly 'popped' free from Ty's embrace. Lum's a yelp of relief, Ty's a pained yelp of pleasure. Lum stroked Ty's cock faster, whining as he started to force his hips forward. It was easier to go in than out, at least. Ty's legs trembled while sweet whimpers of pleasure escaped him.

Lum's knot finally forced back in, Lum lunging forward as it did. Ty arched his back, squeaking the cutest sounds. His cock spasmed in Lum's hands, constantly spurting thick streams of pre.

Lum pulled free again. He was starting to see stars. The sensation of knot-fucking was devastatingly intense. His paws knew what to do, stroking and working Ty just right. His hips knew what to do. His knot forced back in, this time eliciting a sweet whine from Ty.

"Fuck... Yes... Close." the Typhlosion whimpered.

Lum kept pumping on Ty's shaft, but he knew the fire type was holding out on him. Doing his best not to cum. Lum knew Ty wanted more, and he couldn't not give his love everything.

Lum's vision was dimming as his hips pulled back yet again. It felt like electricity ran through his cock. It spread up through his belly, down his thighs, and his balls felt cold. Lum felt his thoughts stop as his knot finally yanked free a third time. Muddy's Disable didn't compare. Relief and heat radiated from Lum's groin through his body.

Lum was vaguely aware as Ty's cock spasmed in his paws. Over, and over, enormous gushes of cum spurt over Ty's torso and nest. As Lum finally forced his way back in, knotting Ty for good, a couple shots reached Ty's chin. The Typhlosion whimpered while weakly bucking. Lum had to give up stroking and collapse forward again. He could feel Ty's shaft flexing between them, the last few shots spreading through their belly fur.

"I love you Ty." Lum murmured, half conscious.

"I love you too, puppy." Ty rumbled in return.

Lum had some vague sense he should put his collar back on. Every year they put his collar back on before they fell asleep.

Sleep came too fast. Lum felt himself enveloped in Ty's warmth. Lum's shaft still pulsed, the tie promising to remain long into the night. Lum's world slowly dissolved into heat, pleasure, darkness, and the scent of his love.

***

Lum was only vaguely aware when he was lifted. He had been pulled free of Ty's embrace, his shaft having slipped free as he slept. The scent of Coal teased at Lum's snout. The scaly, warm embrace was so familiar. Lum felt himself cradled to her chest. The weight of his collar was on his neck again, and Coal was carrying his leash.

Lum had vague consciousness as he was carried out of the house. He barely felt the cold, winter air on his damp fur. Then being loaded into the car. No car seat, just in the back with Coal. The Charizard coiled around him, holding Lum secure and safe as the engine rumbled to life.

***

Lum was vaguely awake. Belly rubbing and kisses to his muzzle stirred him from so deep a sleep. What really woke Lum was a foul, bitter taste filling his muzzle. He yanked away instinctively. '

"Come on Lum. Presents are soon. Chew." Brandon's commands were firm but affectionate.

As consciousness took hold Lum turned back. His muzzle wrinkled as he chomped down on the energy root. He started to chew, disgusted by the bitter juice that soaked into his tongue and gums. It was foul, but effective. Far more than coffee could ever be for a Pokémon.

It took only a moment of gnawing before Lum was fully awake. He pushed the root free from his muzzle. Brandon pulled it away and rewarded Lum with a kiss to his cheek.

"Someone's a stinky puppy. Who wants a bath?" Brandon goaded. It wasn't really a question. Both knew that Lum had to have one.

It was a nice 'bath', at least. Lum had the roughest night, several fold, of anyone in his little family. That meant that Lum only had to stand in the shower. Brandon took care of shampooing Lum's body. His diligent fingers worked through Lum's fur, cleaning away the mess of the party. They also kneaded and rubbed just where Lum needed it. Brandon knew is Lucario inside and out. Lum couldn't hide anything from his trainer. As guilty as Lum felt taking up time before family, Brandon was insistent on taking care of Lum's every need.

After the first wash Lum got another lather with a different shampoo. This one had a lovely, subtle herbal and cinnamon scent. Brandon had long insisted it compliment Lum's scent perfectly. Lum breathed it in deeply. He stood there in the steam and sweet scent.

Brandon was attentive as always. Lum was made to sit on the shower's bench. His feet were washed with care. Lum half suspected to clean away every bit of scent. On the other paw, the other half wondered if Brandon had seen how incredibly pleasurable Lum found Muddy's foot massage. Brandon certainly took more care on Lum's paws this shower than before. And thanks to Muddy, Lum found himself eager for this sort of attention.

Once Lum was rinsed free, conditioned, and rinsed again, it was his turn to do the washing. It was well worth waking early for their shower time. Lum took his time soaping up Brandon. Lum used a bath puff to wash over Brandon everywhere he could reach. Brandon wasn't particularly tall, allowing even short Lum to get up to Brandon's shoulders when on tip toe. That left Brandon to take care of washing his face and hair.

Lum took a moment to enjoy Brandon after his trainer rinsed clean. A little bit of nuzzling at Brandon's balls and shaft. A few gentle licks. Holding Brandon's flaccid shaft in his muzzle, barely tonguing and suckling. He looked up, meeting Brandon's gaze as he cradled the cock lovingly.

Lum felt a sharp pang of guilt for the previous night. He loved Brandon so much. He had lived most his life for Brandon. Lum could never imagine being without his trainer.

But the idea of not being with Ty brought such pain too.

Neither Pokémon nor trainer had the time for more than Lum's gentle affections. Neither had the energy for more either. Lum released Brandon's shaft and finished with a final kiss on the shaft. They got to toweling, brushing, and blow drying.

An hour later Lum was settled into comfy chair. He was wearing his Santa hat again. At least he was free of the damnable Christmas shawl. Lum had a warm mug of mulled lum berry juice. One of Alex's wonderful presents, every year, after the Christmas Eve party.

Lum watched with a smile as the kids opened presents. The vast majority of the morning was Emma and Will opening present after present. The Charmeleons- Paprika and Puya, though Lum couldn't remember which was which- and the Charmander- Cascabel- also got several presents. Items and fire-resistant toys they could enjoy. The adults and older Pokémon mostly watched, though a few gifts were exchanged among them.

Ann's present this year shocked Lum. He pulled open the packaging expecting another garish holiday-themed craft. Instead there was a vest. Not a lick of bright, firetruck red. The vest instead had a deep, warm red. The vest had vertical stripes, alternating the red with a matching deep green. Lum pulled it free of the box to look over. It was tailored perfectly to his size. It even had an opening for his chest spike.

Lum looked to Brandon who was holding a matching vest. He looked to Ann, eyes wide. Ann was smiling warmly in return.

"Yep! Would you believe I could make something like that? Alex has been oh-so-subtly hinting that the last few haven't been quite your style. It took some learning, but I think I got pretty damn good at it. Do you like it?"

Ann was generally so boisterous. The gentle warmth was a side Lum hadn't seen before. Lum eagerly nodded in response, setting the vest back in the box and aside. He hopped up and gave Ann a big hug. The 'human Charizard' laughed heartily and rubbed atop his head.

"I'm glad. Well worth the effort to make such a sweet Pokémon so happy." she boomed, back to her normal self.

Lum released the hug to return to his seat. When he turned Emma was in the way. Lum tilted his head, curiously 'arf?'ing. He expected to be shown a present she had opened, some new toy she was particularly excited about. Instead Emma held up another present. The wrapping was sloppy compared to the other gifts. She held it toward Lum and signed it was for him.

Lum took the gift, the tag 'To: Lum From: Emma' on top, Lum's and Emma's names written in a child's messy penmanship. Lum pulled the wrapping free to find a shoebox. Curiosity filled him as he opened it. Blue, black, yellow... Lum pulled free a plush. It was a bit crude but clearly a Lucario.

"Emma's getting so good, isn't she? She's going to be an even better crafter than me soon!" Ann praised.

Lum looked from the plush to Emma. Emma was beaming. She was signing so fast and with such excitement it was hard for Lum to keep up. He was able to get the gist. Emma knew Lum was the only Lucario around and wanted him to have a Lucario friend. Emma signed that she got to hug Lum, and now Lum had a Lucario to hug too.

Lum hugged the Lucario plushie to his chest. He whined happily, tail wagging rapidly behind him. He tucked the plush under his arm and signed 'Thank you! I love it!' the best his limited paws allowed. He quickly went in for a hug, squeezing Emma tightly against himself. Lum could feel his eyes damp with happy tears.

"It's so ugly." he heard Will sneer from near the tree. Lum had never cared for Alex's younger brother. At least Emma was incapable of hearing it.

"I will return every single one of your presents, Will." Eddie warned in an unusually stern voice. A meek, insincere "Sorry." was mumbled in response.

Emma slipped free of the embrace and scampered back to the tree, eager for her next present. Lum returned to his seat. He couldn't stop smiling as he looked over his new little Lucario friend.

What a wonderful Christmas.